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2014 Kansas City Gameday HQ

FIELDING
The Marlins aren’t awful in the field, but this isn’t a collection of
standouts, either. The young outfield will get to balls, particularly Yelich
and Ozuna, but there is a potential for trouble, too. Stanton has a strong
arm in right. Adding veteran Rafael Furcal at second isn’t exactly going to
make the Marlins stronger up the middle, but Saltalamacchia is a steady
catcher, and Adeiny Hechavarria has pretty good range at short, although
he has to become more reliable when he does reach the ball. Signing
Casey McGehee to play third isn’t exactly going to make Miami more
airtight in the infield.
STARTING PITCHING
The Marlins received an outstanding performance last year from Jose
Fernandez, who went 12-6 with a 2.18 ERA and struck out 187 batters.
He has tremendous potential and a dazzling array of pitches that should
make him a Cy Young candidate for years to come. He’ll anchor a rotation
that is young and unproven, but has the ability to be solid in a season or
two. Nathan Eovaldi had a 3.39 ERA last year in 18 starts, and Henderson
Alvarez posted a 3.59 ERA in 17. Both are 23 and should be able to
handle a full season of starting without struggling too much. Jacob Turner
is a 22-year old who will become a real threat when his breaking stuff
matures and he cuts back on the walks.
RELIEF PITCHING
Steve Cishek posted 34 saves last year and proved that he could
blow hitters away on a pretty regular basis. The Marlins may not win a
lot, but when they have a chance late, Cishek makes sure the door gets
closed. He’ll be set up by lefty Mike Dunn and righty A.J. Ramos, both of
whom can strike out folks, but Ramos has to have better control. Veteran
Carlos Marmol can still be effective, while Kavin Slowey should be the
long man. Even though Henry Rodriguez had poor 2012 and ’13 seasons,
he impressed with his ability to strike people out during the spring and
earned a could find himself in the pen at some point.
MANAGING
Mike Redmond is a good man to handle the young Marlins. He’s
patient but capable of making sure the players understand him. A former
catcher, Redmond understands the game completely and is able to
instruct the younger Miami players well. Redmond kept a positive attitude
during his first season with the team, despite having to deal with injuries,
a lot of roster moves and a group of players who had little big-league
experience. Redmond was able to teach, protect his players but also
show them how things are done in the big leagues, all without alienating
people. Expect him to grow as the Marlins do.
Giancarlo Stanton
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